Care Home invites local community to Open Day

Strachan House  in Edinburgh will be opening their doors to the local community for an open door event complete with free refreshments on Saturday 19th August.

Taking place between 10am-4pm guests will be able to enjoy a freshly prepared buffet by the home’s Head Chef whilst taking the opportunity to meet the General Manager Gordon Philp and his fantastic team. Why not allow them to take you on a tour of the home and see everything the home has to offer? In the afternoon visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea and ask any questions they may have.

The Strachan House team will be on hand to answer any queries that they may have. A warm welcome awaits every visitor and a free goodie bag upon leaving will ensure that everyone will have a little something to remember their day with us by.

Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.

“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Strachan House will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.

“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy everything the home has to offer in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities. 

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Final spaces remain on free job skills training course at Fort Kinnaird

A free skills training session to help people take their first step on the career ladder is being hosted at Fort Kinnaird in collaboration with Capital City Partnership (CCP) next week.

Delivered by the Focus on Recruitment and Training (FORTY) scheme, which is based at the centre, the one-week course on retail and customer service skills will give participants an SQA accredited Customer Service qualification, as well as support with CV building, job applications and interview tips, and an opportunity to be interviewed by a recruiting Fort Kinnaird retailer.

The course is open to anyone aged between 16 and 24, will run from 31st of July – 4th of August.

To help local people build their confidence in applying for retail job vacancies, participants will also have the opportunity to hear from Fort Kinnaird employees about their career journeys to date, alongside getting their advice on applying for retail or hospitality jobs.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know how difficult applying for a job can be, so we want to help people in our community take the first step – whether it’s moving into employment for the first time or a jump between careers.

“FORTY provides a fantastic opportunity for individuals to seek advice, learn more about the retail industry and gain new qualifications.” 

FORTY is funded by Fort Kinnaird’s co-owner, British Land, and in-kind support from the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

To register or to find out more information about the course, please contact Maria at: maria.banaszkiewicz@capitalcitypartnership.org  or call  07856089669.

More information on FORTY and upcoming skills training opportunities can be found here: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/whatson 

Fort Kinnaird is open from 9am – 9pm on weekdays, and 9am – 6pm on weekends.  

LifeCare welcomes new CEO

We are delighted to welcome our new permanent CEO, Sarah Van Putten, to the LifeCare family.

Sarah joins us as an experienced third sector Chief Executive, with a career in health and social care spanning 3 decades. For the last 6 years, Sarah has been supporting Befriending Networks across the UK, and tackling loneliness and isolation by influencing public policy.

On her appointment, Sarah said: “I am delighted to have joined the LifeCare team as permanent CEO.

“I bring a long track record of working within and managing social care organisations. I knew of LifeCare as my great Aunt was a client and I have always been impressed by the work they do.

“Since taking up post, the commitment and passion of the team has already become evident – with staff continuously going above and beyond for the people they support. I look forward to working closely with staff, our board of trustees and most importantly the clients to identify our priorities for the next 3 years.

“I hope to bring my wider experience of social isolation policy work to help Lifecare amplify the voices of those who use our services, so that we can continue to offer those “extra years of Zest” to the people in our communities that need it most.”

Citizenship in an independent Scotland

First Minister outlines who may be eligible for Scottish citizenship

Scotland could take a fairer, and more welcoming approach to citizenship as an independent nation, according to a new paper published by First Minister Humza Yousaf.

‘Citizenship in an independent Scotland’, the fifth paper in the Building a New Scotland series’, sets out who could automatically become a citizen of an independent Scotland, and the pathway for others to qualify for Scottish citizenship, including those with a close and enduring connection to Scotland.

Other proposals in the paper include a fairer fee system for citizenship applications, based on cost recovery rather than revenue generation, and a commitment to establish an independent Migrants’ Commissioner – a key recommendation of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review.

The First Minister held a roundtable discussion at National Records of Scotland’s New Register House where he discussed the paper with representatives from migration policy organisations and individuals who may be eligible for citizenship under these proposals.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “In this country, we are used to feeling a mix of identities. As a proud Scottish Pakistani, that’s something I understand and respect, and the policies in this paper would not require anybody to choose between being Scottish, British, or any other nationality.

“Instead, this paper proposes an open and inclusive approach to citizenship. One that welcomes people who want to settle in Scotland, rather than putting barriers and excessive fees in the way of individuals and their families.  

“With our aging population, Scotland faces an urgent demographic challenge. That’s why we want to welcome more people, to join those who have already settled in communities across our country and are contributing to a better economy, higher living standards, and stronger public services like our NHS.

“Scottish citizens could also enjoy benefits such as the right to hold a Scottish passport, continued freedom of movement within the Common Travel Area, and eventually, following our commitment to re-join the EU as an independent nation, resumed rights as EU citizens.

“I hope this paper will help to answer questions people might have about citizenship in an independent Scotland, and I look forward to hearing people’s views on our proposals.”

Building a New Scotland: Citizenship in an independent Scotland

New NSPCC and Gas Distribution Network partnership creates an ‘army of safeguarders’ to protect children

A new partnership between the NSPCC and Britain’s four Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) will deliver vital safeguarding training to more than 18,000 workers across the country.

Half a million children suffer abuse and neglect a year in the UK, and almost 60,000 calls were made to the NSPCC Helpline last year from adults including utility workers* reporting concerns about child safeguarding across the UK.

Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding children, and workers who visit homes have a unique chance to make a difference. This is why gas engineers, including sub-contractors and GDN staff at Cadent Gas, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, will take part in specialised training developed by the children’s charity over the next two years.

The training, entitled It’s Your Call, will give GDN employees who cross thousands of doorways every day the knowledge and confidence to help support vulnerable families and children in their communities.

It’s Your Call is a simple training package which helps workers who visit homes recognise signs of abuse and neglect and gives them the confidence and knowledge to seek appropriate support, including contacting the NSPCC Helpline. The roll-out of the training with GDN workers across Britain has already begun and will continue throughout the next two years.

Edward Allard, social programmes manager at Cadent, said: “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with the NSPCC. This is a significant and wide-reaching project and will create a real force for good across Britain.

“We visit thousands of homes every day, and thanks to this partnership we can create an army of safeguarders to help identify children at risk of neglect or abuse and ensure our workers know how to help them get the support they need as soon as possible.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to support customers living in the most vulnerable situations, each GDN will also work with the NSPCC’s safeguarding experts to ensure that the safeguarding of children and young people is fully embedded into our organisations.”

This project has been funded by the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) – an Ofgem fund split between the four GDNs to work with partners, charities and organisations to support customers in vulnerable situations.

As well as ensuring thousands of workers across the UK can help identify children at risk of neglect or abuse, the project will offer the chance for a network of child protection practitioners working with the NSPCC to learn about spotting carbon monoxide risks.

The practitioners will have access to free carbon monoxide detectors and will learn about fuel poverty signposting to support thousands of households across the UK, ensuring more families are kept safe and warm in their homes.

Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “We are hugely excited about this project, and grateful to Ofgem and all the GDNs for supporting this wonderful partnership. Everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect. With this training and support, we can create a real force for good and help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

“By working together and sharing our resources, experience and expertise we can help engineers and gas employees across the country play their part in supporting vulnerable families and children in their communities.”

To find out more about how the NSPCC can support professionals to keep children safe, including safeguarding training, consultancy and free resources, go to:  www.learning.nspcc.org.uk/

To find out more about the NSPCC’s work to protect children and young people and support families across the country, go to www.nspcc.org.uk

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Happy Holidays

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Happy Holidays

The summer school holidays are upon us here in the UK and this week’s healthy tip is all about keeping children healthy and happy over the break.

During the summer holidays normal routine is broken and without a robust plan in place, this can result in unhealthy foods and activities creeping in more than usual.

Here we give you some ideas to ensure everyone starts the new school term feeling nourished and healthy, including parents and caregivers!

Super snacking

Anybody who has looked after children will know that you usually hear “I want a snack” about 100 times a day! Add an extra snack section to your shopping list over the holidays and include healthy options such as nuts and seeds (chopped for small children), cheese, rice cakes, yoghurts, fruit, and vegetables to chop into sticks.

Children can feel hungry soon after a meal if it wasn’t nutritionally balanced so make sure you include a source of carbohydrate and protein with every meal and add some heart healthy fibre from fruits and vegetables to help keep them full.

Get active

If you’re a parent or caregiver, your usual exercise routine may be thrown out during the holidays. Thinking about activities you can do as a family to hit those movement goals is a great way to ensure everyone fits that all important exercise in over the summer.

Some ideas include joining your local family parkrun or planning in swimming days each week. Even just going out for a walk or organising a bug hunt to keep the younger children engaged will help everyone get the daily steps in.

Plan ahead

Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail. Sitting down with the calendar for the next month or so and spending some time making plans will make the summer holidays run much smoother and most likely mean everyone eats healthier and has more fun.

Planning activities and meals in advance will ensure you aren’t caught out and end up reaching for the takeaway menu. Keep it simple and follow a similar weekly structure where possible.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:

 www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street returns as Official Sponsorship Partner of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Johnnie Walker Princes Street, as the venue is named the Official Sponsorship Partner of theEdinburgh Festival Fringe 2023.

As the Official Partner Destination of the Fringe, Johnnie Walker Princes Street is only a short distance away from many of Edinburgh’s Fringe venues; and with stunning rooftop bars boasting some breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline, as well as a host of innovative food and whisky-tasting experiences and immersive tours, the five star, multi award-winning destination is an essential part of any Fringe itinerary.


For the second year in a row, Johnnie Walker Princes Street will feature in the venues map at the back of the Fringe programme – an indispensable navigational tool to everyone looking to make the most of their Fringe experience.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, which opened with a Green Tourism Gold Award – the highest sustainability accolade for a visitor attraction – has been an invaluable supporter in the Fringe Society’s ongoing efforts to make the festival more environmentally sustainable, particularly the transition to e-ticketing in Fringe 2022.

Commenting on the news, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “We are thrilled to be renewing our partnership with Johnnie Walker Princes Street for a second year.

“Their flagship attraction in Edinburgh has been a welcome addition to the Fringe landscape since it opened its doors and their support in helping us improve our ticketing experience has been indispensable.

“As we invite people to Fill Their Boots at the Fringe this August, we also encourage them to pop by Johnnie Walker Princes Street”.

Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe brings the best arts and comedy talent to Scotland, and puts Scotland on a global stage.

“It’s an anchor in the world’s cultural calendar, so to once again be the Official Sponsorship Partner of the festival is a proud moment for the Johnnie Walker Princes Street team as we enter our second summer in Edinburgh.

“This year we are looking forward to welcoming more people than ever into our iconic building, letting visitors from across the world experience whisky in innovative ways through our many immersive tours, our new culinary concept STIR, as well as the chance to take in the unbeatable views of Edinburgh with a cocktail at our stunning 1820 Rooftop Bar”.

Find out more about Johnnie Walker Princes Street experiences and food and drink offering here.

All Smiles? Increased fees for NHS dentists

Improved payment system to expand servicesbut BDA says the reforms will not repair a ‘broken system’

NHS dental teams will receive increased fees under a new payment structure which will help them to provide enhanced NHS care and treatment.

Developed in partnership with the dental sector and as part of the Oral Health Improvement Plan, the reforms also include an additional £10 million from the Scottish Government to support the delivery of laboratory-based treatment items, such as dentures.

The updated system will drive greater consideration of patients’ specific oral health needs, with more focus on patient-centred care such as preventative periodontal – gum disease – treatment.

For dentists it will streamline Item of Service payments by reducing the numbers of fees from over 700 to 45, cutting bureaucracy and giving them greater authority over the treatments offered.

While patients that are required to pay a NHS charge are likely to see an increase in costs, this will be dependent on overall treatment plan. Around 40% of patients will continue to receive free NHS care and treatment, as they did under the previous arrangements.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “This new NHS offer improves the system for both dental teams and patients and is the first step in the process to make the services available on  the NHS reflect the changing oral health needs of the population. It also reaffirms our commitment to the sector and to all NHS patients in Scotland.

“We are confident that the modernised system, with increased clinical freedom for dentists, will provide longer-term sustainability to the sector and encourage dentists to continue to provide NHS care.

“All patients will continue to receive free NHS dental examinations and I want to reassure those who are exempt from NHS dental charges – including children and young people under 26, and those on certain benefits – they will continue to receive free care and treatment. People on a low income are also eligible for support, details of which can be found on NHS Inform. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank  all NHS dental teams for their continued engagement and commitment to NHS dentistry. Increased costs for energy and the cost of living crisis still pose challenges for them but we will continue to work together to ensure the best quality of care is available.”

The British Dental Association has said Scottish Government reforms to NHS dentistry announced today fall short of the root and branch change required to make the service fit for the 2020s.

Following tense negotiations, a reformed payment system will be rolled out from 1 November 2023. This includes changes to the fees provided for many treatments and will see the number of items on the ‘menu’ at dental practices slimmed down – purportedly meant to make it less burdensome – to 45 codes down from around 400. The BDA had stressed that surging costs had left practices delivering some NHS care at a financial loss, particularly for items like dentures that require laboratory work. These items have seen significant increases in fee levels.

However, the professional body has stressed reforms offer no fundamental changes to the current model of care. The service is still predicated on a low margin/high volume system, without the appropriate targeting of resources for those in highest need. The BDA had been seeking a clean break towards a new patient-centred and prevention-focused model and say the package as it stands will do little to tackle deep oral health inequality across Scotland.

Dentist leaders have warned ministers not to view the current package as a ‘final destination’. There is uncertainty over whether these changes will be sufficient to halt the exodus of dentists from NHS services and restore access to millions.

The Scottish Parliament COVID Recovery Committee recently concluded its inquiry into the recovery of NHS dentistry, including a recommendation that the Scottish Government provide costings for – and consults on – different service model options, including those that it does not prefer, in partnership with the sector so that the opportunity is not missed to consider a full range of options for the future of service delivery.

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “We’ve secured some improvements, but the fundamentals of a broken system remain unchanged. 

“The Scottish Government have stuck with a drill and fill model designed in the 20th century. They were unwilling to even start a conversation on making this service fit for the 21st

“Ministers cannot pretend this is a final destination for NHS dentistry in Scotland. We struggle to see how these changes alone will close the oral health gap, end the access crisis or halt the exodus from the NHS.”

Anyone struggling to pay for their dental care is urged to visit NHS Inform to view the support available. Patients can check if they are exempt from NHS dental charges by visiting NHS Inform.

For those not eligible for exemption but on a low income, financial support is available via the NHS low income scheme. Patients can apply for this support by completing a HC1 form. Paper copies can be picked up at community pharmacies, GP practices, Citizens Advice Scotland offices and Jobcentre Plus offices.

Scotland’s producing theatres ‘at immediate risk’

Independent study commissioned by Scotland’s six producing theatres reveals urgent need to overhaul sector if it is to survive

An independent study reveals critical challenges to the Scottish producing theatre sector. Titled “Disappearing Act?“, the report, conducted by independent analysts Data Culture Change, sheds light on the alarming state of the sector, calling for immediate and sustained action to protect this important element of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

Commissioned in 2022 by six prominent independent producing theatres, Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, The Traverse, Edinburgh, and The Tron, Glasgow, the study provides an extensive analysis of the current theatre landscape in Scotland.

Liam Sinclair, Executive Director of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre said: “Scotland’s producing theatres have been aware that the challenges we face have been building, and that in order to survive we needed to face some hard facts and tackle the issues head on.

“We came together to commission Data Culture Change to produce this independent report to provide us with the robust data to inform actions we are committed to taking in order to protect the future of theatrical work made here and telling Scotland’s stories.”

“Disappearing Act?” draws attention to several key points that demand urgent attention:

1. Producing theatre in Scotland has significant scale and impact

From 2017-2020 the six commissioning theatres’ collective average annual ticket sales totalled 423,000 and their collective turnover topped £20 million. Over the same period, they collectively staged an average of 106 productions a year, of which 80% were commissioned and other new work.

Producing their own work, representing and exploring their communities, the six organisations at the heart of this study use their civic spaces to provide opportunities for a plurality of voices to be heard.

The range and output of these theatres, alongside many others, reflect the individual communities and cultures of Scotland. These theatres invest in their community and its creativity, however this level of investment is at risk due to continued financial challenges.

2. Decades of cuts are being compounded by external factors

The six theatres collectively posted an annual trading deficit in three of the five years of the study. This was partially due to increasing aggregate annual building costs which reached over £610,000 in 2020/21.

There are now unprecedented challenges facing these theatres which maintain buildings, run full-time operating venues, and produce work that generates livelihoods for playwrights, actors and creatives.

The impact of the pandemic has been broad and deep with some audiences slow to return and a sizable proportion of the ‘core’ frequent audience appear to have been lost. As well as reduced earned income, there are now enormous pressures on costs across the businesses, including major rises in the price of utilities.

This is especially important in the context of prolonged real terms reductions in revenue funding from national and local government. In addition, Theatre Tax Relief which has made a vital contribution to the finances of producing theatres during the last decade is planned to begin to taper down from current rates in 2025-26.

3. There is a lack of Scottish representation in theatre consumption

Key findings from the report reveal that Scotland is a nation of theatregoers. Almost 40% of Scottish households visited the theatre over the study period, but less than 15% of the theatre they consumed was made in Scotland.

4. Attracting and retaining skilled staff is challenging

Keeping skilled staff within the theatre industry is a challenge with wage expectations rising, reflecting increases in the cost of living. Theatre leaders are committed to putting fair work first and becoming carbon neutral, but these goals will only be achieved with greater income.

In response to the report, Alex McGowan, Executive Director of Citizens Theatre said: “If the collective picture for our venues was bleak before the pandemic, the negative and continuing impacts of Covid-19 are potentially devastating. To avoid the risk of venue closures and the very real possibility of the end to a credible producing theatre sector in Scotland, fundamental sustained action is urgently required.

“We recognise change won’t be easy and are committed to responding positively and flexibly. We hope our funders, partners, colleagues and the public will find in this report all the reasons to support our transformation.”

What next? The report outlines several recommendations to address the challenges:

1. A common approach

By taking collaborative approaches to production, marketing, learning and participation and the development of new income streams, the six independent producing theatres could utilise their diversity to be a creative strength for the nation. Increasing skills, knowledge and jobs that will enhance and support the wider theatre industry, as well as Scotland’s TV and Film industries.

2. Producing new Scottish work that will attract large audiences, nationally and internationally

Building on the crucial role the producing theatres play in the development of new Scottish work, the report recommends that the six independent producing theatres work together to find ways to collaborate with experienced commercial theatre producers, that will support and co-produce popular shows that are expected to tour within Scotland and then go on for further commercial exploitation in other parts of the UK and internationally.

3. Growing and diversifying audiences for theatre made in Scotland

Collective action is required by the six independent theatres to increase venue crossover, frequency of attendance and market share. The report recommends that the commissioning venues explore a range of shared-service models that could reduce costs and increase return on investment.

4. Collective Workforce Programme

Currently all six venues report significant problems in the recruitment and retention of trained staff. The report recommends that standard practices and approaches should be introduced across the six organisations, including the tracking of staff demographics and churn.

5. Working groups to address major technical and legal issues

Currently no-one is benefiting from the confused and contradictory landscape of Intellectual Property across Scotland and the UK.

The six commissioning theatres need to address key issues around intellectual property as well as common issues surrounding buildings tenure and investment, and employment relations.

Reflecting on the report Linda Crooks, Executive Producer of Traverse Theatre said: “A sustainable producing theatre sector is fundamental to theatre and the cultural landscape of our society.

“Scotland is one of the worlds’ leading cultural nations, playing host to the biggest annual arts festival in the world. We need to ensure that Scotland remains a cultural beacon throughout the year, as well as maintaining Scottish theatre’s representation during our festival season.

“We are keen to do more to support the broader ecology. Taking on board these recommendations we can grow the market for Scottish-made theatre domestically, throughout the UK and internationally – bringing benefits to creatives, freelancers and the economy as a whole, not just for theatre, but for the television and film sectors that already contribute to Scotland’s economy.”

David Brownlee, Chief Executive of Data Culture Change said: “Scotland is home to six of the world’s most exciting and diverse producing theatres. They have been doing all they can to deliver ‘more for less’ every year for over a decade, but in the wake of Covid and the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, an existential threat looms for individual theatres and the sector as a whole.

“The good news is that theatre managers know that no change is not an option and they will have to work in different ways to increase income, share skills and build audiences. With increased investment from Government and by the thousands of people who care deeply about work made in this country, the next decade could be a great one for Scottish theatre.”

Joint statement from the six independent producing theatres:

“As executive leaders of Scotland six independent producing theatres we feel the stark challenges this report reveals around making theatre in this country now and in the future.

“Confronting the consequences of decades of public funding reductions alongside rising costs is a daily reality for us. Whilst we recognise the strain on public resources, we also recognise that continuing to achieve more with less is not sustainable.

“Greater collaboration is required as we face upcoming challenges and opportunities. That’s why we find the proposal to adopt a common approach moving forward so compelling. Our collective diversity can serve as an asset for the people of Scotland even as we maintain our individual focus and purpose.

“By aligning on common goals whilst preserving that individuality, we can work smarter to the benefits of all our communities. A shared approach will capitalise on our collective strengths, encourage innovation, and promote the cultivation of new audiences.

“We are committed to a bright future for Scotland’s theatre sector. A sustainable producing theatre sector is fundamental to the future of the performing arts in this country and we intend to contribute to a healthier and more vibrant cultural landscape.

“We have the potential to expand the market for theatre makers in Scotland domestically, throughout the wider UK, and internationally. This will increase the benefits of those working in the industry and boost the overall economy by bringing more visitors to Scotland and taking the best of Scottish talent to the world”

Scottish Ambulance Service receives 10 million calls

More than 10 million people have called the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) in the past nine years.

The amazing milestone of 10 million was received on July 17 at 05:56 and was taken by East ACC call handler Melissa Hurst.

SAS uses a system to log calls called C3, which is a service operating system to record all incidents called into 999; this allows our clinical staff to review and offer support where appropriate and for our dispatchers to allocate resources when required.

It was introduced in 2006 and originally implemented into the three regional ACCs – Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh – which operated separately. In 2014, it was implemented nationally as the ACCs integrated into a national service; this is when the national incident count started.

Earlier this year, the Service launched its Integrated Clinical Hub. Using a multi-disciplinary network of skilled clinical staff, the Hub gives SAS the ability to provide a detailed consultation for patients whose initial 999 triage has ruled out time-critical illness. The hub operates 24 hours a day, to ensure patients receive the best possible response to their need when they dial 999.

Michael Dickson, SAS Chief Executive, said: “Our ACCs are an invaluable part of the Scottish Ambulance Service and this is truly a remarkable achievement. Thanks to all of our ACC staff who continue to provide such a crucial service.

“Whether these calls were for call handlers to deliver incredible care, for dispatchers to send the right resource to the scene as quickly as possible, or clinicians to assess and keep our patients safe, we are grateful and proud of all of our ACC staff for the outstanding service they provide to Scotland.

“Our Clinical Hub transformation is aimed at supporting more patients in communities to ensure patients get the right care, at the right time. The number of patients being cared for out with hospital Emergency Departments remains substantial and as we head into a challenging winter period, it’s vital we find ways of delivering the right care for individuals and easing pressure on Emergency Departments.”

Call handler Melissa said: “Taking the 10th million call puts it in perspective of just how many people have depended and relied on SAS to help and care for patients. It shows just how essential our service is for both the public and healthcare professionals and I’m thankful to be a part of it.”

The milestone comes as the SAS ACC team recently won Call Handling Team of the Year at the Control Room Awards, and our control room received Accredited Centre of Excellence (ACE) accreditation for the excellent standard of its 999-call handling and supporting processes.